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Glowforge 3D Laser Printer Review: What’s To Love & Cons 

When it comes to 3D printers, the market is quickly becoming saturated, and they are now more accessible to purchase.

Whether it’s for personal use or the beginnings of a new business, the time to strike is now! 

But when it comes to purchasing one, it can be overwhelming to decide which is the best for you. Glowforge’s 3D Laser Printer is an excellent choice and one I think you will love. 

Let’s look at Glowforge’s printer in detail to help you make the right choice! 

Overview: 

In a hurry? Let’s take a look at what you need to know about the printer. 

  • 40-watt laser works to create meaningful and personalized products. 
  • Autofocus and automatic print settings make for easy use of the printer. 
  • Free app works with your PC, Mac, phone, or tablet, meaning there is nothing to install. 
  • Live camera preview allows you to see your design before you print on the material of your choice. You can position it wherever you want for ultra precision.  
  • Your printer can be set up in as little as 30 minutes. 
  • Laser precision as precise as the width of a human hair. 
  • Works for dozens of materials such as wood, leather, paper, fabric, acrylic, glass, metal, cardboard, and chocolate. 
  • Some customers found the printer only worked with Glowforge’s materials, which are expensive to purchase. 
  • Safe for school and home use. 
  • It is independently tested to UL, CE, FDA, and FCC standards for worry-free use. 
  • The unit weighs over 100 pounds. 
  • Three simple steps allow for easy use and quick results. 
  • Customer support is not always the best at providing the help you need quickly. 

Sounds like the one for you? Let’s take a closer look.

Glowforge 3D Laser Printer

Glowforge Plus Laser Cutter - Create 10x Faster in Wood, Acrylic, Leather... Even Chocolate. Print Jewelry, Signs, Furniture - Anything You Imagine. Free Software Works with Mac, PC, Tablet, & More.
  • YOUR IDEA, IN YOUR HANDS, IN MINUTES – Push the button and the powerful 40 watt laser...
  • SIMPLY AUTOMATIC– Autofocus. Material detection. Automatic print settings. Just pick your...

Features

Precision and Detail

The printer features laser precision with motors that control motion to a thousandth of an inch.

It can also focus down to the width of a human hair to create prints with incredible detail and precision. 

The laser printer can carve up to ½ inch deep, 11 inches tall, and 19.5 inches wide.

It can produce up to 1,300 lines per inch, allowing you to create delicate and intricately detailed work that will look professionally done!

All you need to do is look at customer reviews to see the outstanding work they have made on a Glowforge to sell you on this printer! 

Efficiency and Ease of Use

The laser printer runs on 40 watts, making it a low-energy option to run at home or in an office.

The low running does not mean you need to compromise as it is still incredibly powerful and works to create your designs quickly and efficiently. 

The autofocus and automatic print settings make it easy to use and even easier to get your designs printed and become a reality.

The printer can be a little loud at times, with the sound varying depending on the materials used.

Any printer will make more noise working on wood than leather, but it’s something to consider when setting up the printer. 

Requirements

Due to the software and app being web based, you will need an internet connection to start and run your printer.

Glowforge is quick to reassure customers that the printer will still perform well with even the slowest of connections, so this should not be an issue.

Once the printer has started printing, it can also be used offline if you require it. 

Safety

You don’t need to worry about this printer either, as it has been independently tested to UL, CE, FD, and FCC standards.

The peace of mind that comes with this safety testing makes it suitable for use at home or in schools!

Glowforge prides itself on being the only CDRH Class 1 laser cutter and engraver on the market to offer this!

What Materials Can I Use? 

The printer is suitable for a wide range of materials such as wood, leather, paper, fabric, acrylic, glass, and metal.

The Glowforge Plus will work with a range of metals, such as aluminum, and provide excellent results.

You will need to spray stainless steel with Cermark or an equivalent to ensure a better contrast and see your work. 

What is excellent about this printer, though, is unlike others on the market, the engraving process does not remove any metal from the material, so you will still get the smooth-to-the-touch feel!

This also means that you are less likely to have sharp lines or grooves that could cause cuts or scrapes! 

Some customers found that their printing would only work on Glowforge’s proof-graded materials.

This can be a common issue in laser cutting, as a material’s thickness will vary from piece to piece. 

Glowforge’s materials to do this are of excellent quality but are expensive. The added cost is something to consider before purchasing your printer.

You can, of course, use your materials, but you may encounter some issues along the way. 

You get a sample of these Proof-Grade materials with the printer’s initial purchase to test out!

You could always compare these with other materials to see the best option for you and your needs. 

Set-up

Setting up your new printer is easy and should take no more than 30 minutes. The printer uses Wi-Fi and a regular outlet, making it super easy to set up. 

The printer weighs over 100 pounds, so be sure to set it up on a unit that can support its weight!

What’s great about this printer is that there is no software you need to install; you can download an app that is compatible with Android, iOS, and windows. 

The app allows you to create your designs with your fingertips, or stylus pens if you have them, and see them realized quickly.

The live camera preview will enable you to see your designs before you print them, and it is one feature I love.

The camera shows you a preview of your design and places it on the material of your choice. 

You can use your finger or mouse to position the design precisely where you want before printing. It allows you to have a truly customized design. 

You will already need to own or purchase your software to create your designs before printing.

Software such as Adobe or any suitable vector drawing program is a good option that is easy to use for beginners.

These can be expensive but look out for good deals, especially around back-to-school season! 

Glowforge Plus Laser Cutter - Create 10x Faster in Wood, Acrylic, Leather... Even Chocolate. Print Jewelry, Signs, Furniture - Anything You Imagine. Free Software Works with Mac, PC, Tablet, & More.
  • YOUR IDEA, IN YOUR HANDS, IN MINUTES – Push the button and the powerful 40 watt laser...
  • SIMPLY AUTOMATIC– Autofocus. Material detection. Automatic print settings. Just pick your...

Where Should I Put My Printer?

While you should put your printer in an area that best suits your needs, the Glowforge printer does have some requirements of its own to be met when it comes to placing it in the house. 

The printer needs access to ventilation, a standard requirement for laser printers like the Glowforge.

To ensure that it has access to the necessary ventilation, the printer should be placed within eight feet of a window with the included exhaust hose attached.

As long as this requirement is met, whether it’s your downstairs den or your home office, you can put the printer in the room that best suits your needs! 

Warranty

We don’t plan for things to go wrong, but sometimes they do, and we need to know that we will be covered in case of an accident or emergency.

Glowforge offers a 12-month warranty with their Plus model of the printer. 

Customers have praised this warranty, and the swift manner Glowforge have dealt with issues, including sending replacement parts or units out quickly.

This only adds to the worry-free use of their printer! 

Customer Support

We all want to know that if we need help, it is there waiting for us.

Glowforge’s company motto, “We have the best customers,’’ and their quick replies to customer queries on Amazon suggest that they are there to support you with any questions. 

However, some customers found the customer support after purchasing the printer was slow at times with no telephone support available.

It usually takes a day for customer support to contact you via the message or email system.

Some customers have had replies within a few hours, but generally, it is a bit of a mixed bag. 

How Much? 

In comparison to other printers on the market, Glowforge’s Plus 3D Laser Printer is decently priced.

It is cheaper than the Pro model but costly compared to their Basic model. 

3D printers are still an expensive purchase, but this one is decently priced and will provide you with a solution to your printing needs. 

Final Word

Let’s recap all we have learned about the Glowforge 3D Laser Printer today.

At a reasonable price, the printer will allow you to bring your creations to life and engrave products with ease. 

The app is easy to use and allows for real-time previews of your designs and adjustments to be made if necessary.

The printer as a whole is easy to set up and use – although it can be loud.

It’s a decently priced laser printer that will allow your designs to come to life!

It is an excellent option for the budding business owner or for those looking to expand their hobby! 

If you’re still unsure about whether having your own 3D printer is the right choice for you, be sure to check with my complete lineup of articles dedicated to these amazing machines.

Click here to find the answers you need to finalize your decision.

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